Tech Lowdown

Southport, UK – May 2020
iPhono3 Black Label
micro series
the Tech
Sub-sonic filter
The iPhono3 Black Label’s sub-sonic filter is well designed and implemented. Why
is it needed? A warped track or record will cause a large signal output in the
subsonic region, typically well below 20Hz.
For example. A 33 1/3 RPM album with a single warped section can create a signal
in the pickup at 0.55 Hz (33.3 RPM / 60 = 0.555 Hz). This is a signal that will cause
significant cone movement, and is is very undesirable. By ‘nailing’ this issue at the
root cause stage, the rest of the system will sonically benefit.
X-Powered
The iPhono3 Black Label demands the ultimate power supply. That
means the newly launched iPower X. Just like the rest of the power
supply range, it has an exceptional noise floor of <0.1uF which is lower
than what the Audio Precision measures to.
https://ifi-audio.com/products/ipowerx/
Circuit highlights
DC coupled thanks to DC-Infinity
Direct Drive Servoless is an important element of the audiophile
experience, which is not visible in measurements, but is quite
audible. Unlike a standard phono stage design, the iPhono3
Black Label continues the special design tradition of being direct
coupled (i.e. no coupling capacitor) from cartridge to output and
it does so without requiring a conventional DC servo. Below is
what a standard phono stage looks like: